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Here's a gift card holder that you can make in minutes! You'll need an envelope, some card stock and a few pieces of patterned paper.  Embellish as you wish!

The how-to video is below!

Lisa's Inklings:

• (2) 2 1/2" x 4" patterned paper
• (2) 2 3/4"  x 4 1/4" coordinating patterned paper
• (1) 2 3/4" x 4 1/4" piece of coordinating card stock and 1" x 8" of same color CS for belly band.
• Envelope measures 4 1/2" x 5 7/8".

Make this one in minutes for those last minute cash or gift card gifts.  Adding your handmade touch makes your gifts extra special!

It's the Christmas season and we've been talking about managing stress and overwhelm.  The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with those we love—but they can also bring a little extra mess into our homes. Between the decorations, the festive meals, and the bustle of daily life, it’s easy for clutter to sneak up on us.

But the good news is, keeping your home tidy during the busy holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A simple 20-minute evening routine can help keep things in check, allowing you to enjoy the season without feeling like you’re constantly cleaning up after it.

Here’s a stress-free, easy-to-follow evening routine that can help you maintain a tidy home during the holidays:

1. Clear Off Flat Surfaces

Take 5 minutes to quickly go around and clear any clutter from countertops, tables, and other flat surfaces. Holiday décor and daily life can leave things scattered, so this simple task can instantly make a room feel cleaner. Put away mail, empty cups, and stray items that tend to collect throughout the day. If there are things that don’t belong, set them aside to deal with tomorrow.

2. Do a Quick Dish Round-Up

Spend 5 minutes tidying up the kitchen. If there are dirty dishes in the sink or leftover items on the counter from dinner, quickly wash them or load them into the dishwasher. Even if you’re not able to get everything done, just clearing out the sink and wiping down counters can make a big difference. The kitchen is one of the most used spaces during the holidays, and starting with a clean slate can make your mornings feel calmer.

3. Tidy Up the Living Room

Dedicate a few minutes to picking up the living room. Fluff the pillows, fold any blankets, and straighten out the chairs. If there are toys, books, or other items scattered around, gather them and place them in their designated spots. This small act will create a peaceful environment for you to relax in at the end of the day.

4. Wipe Down Bathroom Surfaces

Bathrooms can get a lot of traffic during the holidays, with guests coming in and out. Take 3 minutes to quickly wipe down bathroom counters, sinks, and mirrors. This doesn’t have to be a deep clean, just a quick once-over to make everything look fresh. A clean bathroom will make a big difference when you need to freshen up or prepare for the day ahead.

5. Pick Up Holiday Clutter

With all the holiday activities going on, it’s easy for little bits of décor, wrapping supplies, or holiday cards to accumulate. Spend a few minutes picking up any stray holiday-related items and putting them in their proper place. If there are things you haven’t gotten to yet—like wrapping gifts or sorting through cards—put them in a basket or box to deal with when you have more time.

6. Set Yourself Up for Tomorrow

Take a moment to set yourself up for a smooth morning. Lay out your clothes for the next day, prep the coffee pot, or make sure your bag is packed and ready to go. This can be a great way to feel prepared and less stressed in the morning which are usually busy times in most households.

7. Do a Quick Sweep of the Entryway

The entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home, so spending 2-3 minutes tidying here will make a big impact. If you have guests coming over, this is especially helpful. It’s a small task that takes hardly any time but gives your home a welcoming feel.

8. Take a Few Deep Breaths and Enjoy Your Clean Space

Finally, take a moment to appreciate the work you’ve done. The holiday season can feel chaotic, but by sticking to this short, evening routine, you’ll end each day with a sense of calm. Light a candle or play some soft music, and enjoy the peacefulness of your tidy space. You’ve earned it!

Tea, anyone?  Here's an easy little package that you can make with four scores on a 6" x 6" piece of patterned paper.

Follow the step by step how-to in today's video tutorial.

Lisa's Inklings:

• Patterned paper is cut 6" x 6".
• With one set of points on the 6" mark, score 1/2" on each side of that line.
• Turn to line up other two points and score 1 1 /2" off that 6" line.
• Fold as shown in the video.

Use this packaging idea for more than just tea bags!  Try cash, gift cards, wrapped flat candies like Ghirardelli squares! 

Make this assembly as easy as can be with a Simply Scored Scoring Tool. 
Don't have one?
Put it on your Christmas wish list then contact me with your loved ones email address and I will let them know!

Enjoy using your paper crafting supplies for holiday packaging adding your special heartfelt touch to your gifts.

The holiday season is upon us, and it's a great time to create DIY gift packaging with your paper crafting supplies. In this week's LIVE video, we demonstrated how to create an adorable milk carton-style box. This project is sized perfectly for bath bombs, wrapped candies, or other small gifts! 

There’s something special about giving a gift that’s packaged in something handmade. This milk carton-style box is not only functional; it's so much fun to make. Whether you’re gifting a spa-like bath bomb or a selection of sweet treats, this little box makes it feel even more personal and festive.

Watch the video below to see how this project comes together step by step:

Why the Simply Scored Scoring Tool?

The Simply Scored Scoring Tool is a paper crafter’s best friend, especially for 3D projects like this milk carton box. It allows you to create perfect, even score lines, ensuring your boxes and bags come out just right every time. Whether you’re making gift boxes, treat bags, or other dimensional projects, this tool is a must-have in your crafting space.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit my online store to shop for the products you need to make this project. Be sure to check out the Simply Scored Scoring Tool—it’s an essential tool for all your box, bag, and 3D paper crafting projects. Happy crafting, and may your holiday season be filled with creativity and joy!

During the holiday season, it’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed. Between the family activities, crafting projects, meal preparation, keeping the house "together"...it can all get to be a bit much.  But, there are simple ways to keep your stress in check and make this season both peaceful and joyful.

1. Create a “Holiday Haven” for Yourself
   Designate a quiet, cozy space where you can unwind. This could be a favorite reading chair by the window or a corner with a holiday candle burning. Whether it’s enjoying a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa just sitting in quiet, giving yourself a break can help recharge your batteries.

2. Share the Experience with Loved Ones
   The holidays are all about connection, so why not share some of the tasks with those closest to you? Whether it’s baking cookies, wrapping gifts, or just chatting while you decorate or tidy up the house, spending time with loved ones can turn a stressful task into something fun.

3. Allow Yourself Some Grace
   During the holidays, it’s easy to feel like you need to be the one who does it all and does it perfectly. But the truth is, no one expects that! Remembering that it’s the thought and care behind what you do that counts, not how flawless everything looks.

4. Make Your Own Holiday Traditions
   Create simple traditions that bring you joy without adding extra pressure. It might be something as small as writing one holiday card a day or gathering the family to watch a favorite Christmas movie together. (Did you read about my White Christmas Party with "my girls" on Facebook?) These times will add to the magic of the season and give you something to look forward to.

5. Focus on the Joy of Giving, Not the Quantity
   Gift-giving doesn’t have to be over-the-top or overwhelming.  Whether it’s a handmade gift, a heartfelt letter, or a shared experience, the thought behind your gift is what will make it special, not the price tag or the number of presents.

6. Keep Things Simple
   You don’t need to overcomplicate things to have a wonderful holiday. Sometimes, less is more—whether it’s with your decorations, meals, or even your holiday attire. Simplifying can help you focus on enjoying the season.

7. Remind Yourself of the True Heart of the Season
   When things feel chaotic, take a step back and remember why we celebrate the holidays.  Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. It’s a time to express gratitude, share joy, and spend time with those we love. 

8. End the Season with Reflection and Gratitude
   As the holiday season winds down, take a moment to reflect on all the memories and of course, take a look at all the photos you've taken for your memory keeping. Capture your favorite memories for your scrapbook and take time to write down special moments while it's fresh in your memory. It’s a great way to close out the year with a sense of peace and appreciation.

By focusing on what truly brings you joy, giving yourself permission to rest, and embracing simple tasks, you can enjoy a peaceful holiday season. 

Take a deep breath, cherish the small moments, and let this season be one that brings you warmth and joy.

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The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. But for many, it can also be a season marked by grief and loneliness. Whether someone is dealing with the loss of a loved one, missing family who can’t be near, or feeling isolated in the midst of the holidays, the season’s festivities can sometimes amplify those feelings.

As we celebrate this Christmas, let’s take a moment to reach out with kindness and compassion to those who may be struggling. Small gestures of connection can make a world of difference, reminding them—and us—that the true spirit of the season lies in love, empathy, and shared humanity.

As card makers, we have the ability to create something truly heartfelt to touch the lives of those experiencing grief or loneliness. The card featured here is just one example of how we can bring comfort and hope to others through the art of handmade kindness. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your circle of friends, family, or community, and consider who might need a little extra love this season. A simple card, crafted with care, can remind someone they are not alone.

This Christmas, let’s embrace the opportunity to be a light for others, especially those who may be going through difficult times. Whether it’s a simple phone call, a handwritten note, or an invitation to share a meal, these simple acts of kindness and inclusion will surely help bring comfort and connection.  It's so important to extend the joy and hope of the season to those who need it most.  After all, Christmas is about giving from the heart.